A murdered scientist. A missing will. A birding competition with deadly consequences.

Julia Ross is ready for a relaxing Christmas vacation in the Florida Keys—until murder ruins her plans.

Julia and her daughter, Becky, head down to the Keys for a month of birdwatching, snorkeling, and boating with her RV nomad friends, Dottie and Penelope. But things take a competitive turn when the dreaded Tampa Tanagers—their longtime birding rivals—show up for the prestigious annual Florida Keys birding competition.

The Tanagers always win—probably by cheating. But this year, Dottie and Penelope are determined to take the title, and they’re counting on Julia and Becky to help.

On the first day of the competition, the Tanagers' leader—retired ornithologist Dr. Helga Byrd—is found dead on a small island near Big Pine Key. The competition is called off… but the real game is just beginning.

With local authorities chasing the wrong suspects (again), Julia and her friends step in to investigate. But nothing is straightforward—a missing will, a tangled web of secrets, and a psychopathic killer turn this case into Julia’s most personal and dangerous one yet.

Because now, her daughter’s life is at stake.

The Case of the Pernicious Parrot is the third book in the Julia Lives in a Van cozy mystery series. If you love whimsical whodunits and quirky characters, you’ll love L. C. Richards’ delightful new mystery.

No swearing, no gore—just a fun, page-turning mystery set against a backdrop of beautiful coastal scenery and birdwatching.